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How to calculate your rates

Hi all and a Happy 2019 to you! I know, I haven't blogged for a long time. the truth is, we have been busy with a number of things including working on our mentorship programme for TAVASA.

Anyway, as some of you probably know, TAVASA (Transcriptionists and VAs of South Africa forum) has moved to a WhatsApp group and is now very active and busy. (Click this link to join!)

Recently we had an interesting discussion regarding rates, and what to charge, pertaining to transcription and typing.

It's never an easy question to answer.

With all this in mind, I have this basic formula (I must be more sciencey than I thought!)

1) Figure out what you need to earn in an hour. I think R250 is a fair hourly rate.
2) Figure out how long you're going to need to do the job. (It's worth asking the client for samples, timelines, etc, etc).
3) Decide if you are going to outsource your work or do it all yourself.
4) Does the job COST you anything - ie are you paying a lot for data, petrol, rental, etc.

So, loosely, a good quality audio of one hour should take about 3 hours to transcribe. All things being equal, R750 per audio hour is then a fair rate to charge.  The same applies to typing. If you get a job in, calculate how long it's going to take you. You can even type out a page to see how long it takes. Then work out how many pages you can do in an hour. Say you can do 8 in an hour, and given you need to make R200 in an hour, R25 per page is a good rate to charge. You can also keep these as your set rates and have a rate card so that you're prepared when a client contacts you.

Don't overcharge or under charge. Neither is good for the industry.

Hope this is helpful.

Gaynor Paynter, Copy Editor and Transcriber 

www.typewritetranscription.co.za 

Reviews and advertising

Hi all. If you'd like me to try out your transcription software or industry related products or services and review it here on my site, please drop me a line here. I've been in the industry since 2005, and worked in related positions since 1996, so I'm quite experienced and qualified for this.

Please put 'product/service' review in the subject line.

I'm looking for any sorts of services or products like headphones, keyboards, chairs, software, you name it.

I also offer advertising on my site Typewrite Transcription and Copy Editing and my audience is transcribers, students, and those interested in our industry as a whole. Please get in touch because this is beneficial to you.
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HOW TO CREATE A GOOD QUALITY RECORDING FOR TRANSCRIPTION

A clear recording is vitally important when obtaining transcripts as it impacts on the quality of the transcript. Quality, speed, and accuracy of audio transcription depend hugely on the clarity of the audio used for transcription.

Here are some tips which will help you achieve this result.

1.     Background Noise

Record in a quiet place. Try to be alone a quiet place while recording; and if you are at work ask your staff and colleagues not to disturb you. Coffee shops are NOT great places to record.  Try to keep away from traffic sounds which generally add to the background noise. A soundproof room is a good idea; but if this is not available you can place things like heavy curtains, furniture and carpets to absorb noise. If, however, a noise DOES occur, please repeat what was said during the interview.  Please record one minute of silence before the interview begins. This will allow the transcriber to identify and cut out ambient sound using their software.

2.     Multiple Voices

If there is more than one person in the room while recording,  make sure that they stay calm while you are recording. Do not let people speak at once, and ask people to identify themselves before they speak. It's also important to make sure that the listener understands what is being said. If everyone talks at once, the transcript will suffer.

3.     External Microphones

Use good quality microphones, preferably, external microphones for better recording quality. These microphones are good at recording even very small sounds so keep away from external noise and chatter.

4.     Pace of speech

Ensure that you speak steadily and comfortably and in a consistent tone. So, if you have a habit of speaking quickly, please speak slowly.

5.     Trial Recordings

It’s a great idea to do a trial run before the actual interview. Go to the place where you’re going to record and make a recording of about five minutes. Have a listen to it and if there is any major noise or interference you can make plans to correct this. You can also send it to your transcriptionist for comment.

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Doggie Journal | AMF Typing Services (Est 2001)

Doggie Journal | AMF Typing Services (Est 2001)

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